Stars’ Eric Nystrom on what it means to play Stanley Cup Champs

– On working out with some of the Kings during the lockout compared to now playing against them: “I’ve been out here the past few summers, so I’ve got to know these guys pretty well. But, when you get out there it doesn’t matter. It’s just, I’m here to do a job, and I have to do that the best I can. There’s guys on a lot of teams that I’m friendly with, but that doesn’t matter. I just have that competitive edge in me that it doesn’t matter if I know somebody or not.”

– On something he learned about a Kings’ player that he didn’t know before: “You know what? You don’t know what type of people they are aside from playing against them. Then you get the chance to know them personally, and you realize that it’s a good group of guys. Really nice fellas. They were so accommodating, letting me skate with them in their home arena. Just a good solid group, and I’m real fortunate to have had them take care of me.”

– On if playing the defending Stanley Cup champions is a big deal considering that was last June and it’s now March 2013: “Oh of course. They’re the best team in the league. They have the trophy that everyone else wants, and they obviously have a mark on their back. They have to raise the bar every game and know that people are coming for them. This is a division rivalry game for us too. So, we want to prove that we can play with them.”

– On a funny Ray Whitney story: “Too many. Well, he’s been injured a little bit. So, we’ve had limited time with him on the road and stuff. But, a helluva team guy. Just great one-liners. Holy cow, can he come up with a one-liner, like no other. Beauty, great guy, great leader, good to have him here.”

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Enjoy a free replay of John Hoven and Jonathan Davis on NHL Network Radio following the Kings-Ducks game in Anaheim, where they were joined by Dennis Bernstein and Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period magazine, as well as actor Michael Rosenbaum, and a host of other special guests. Some of the topics discussed […]

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